Supply Chain Planning and Optimization

This unit develops students’ ability to plan, measure, and optimize supply chain operations by integrating production planning, inventory management, procurement, and transportation practices. It emphasizes technology-enabled visibility, risk mitigation, sustainability, and performance measurement to prepare learners for advanced integration and capstone application in the final unit.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze supply chain performance metrics and operational data (KPIs, correlation/causation, simulation outputs) to identify bottlenecks and recommend measurable improvement actions.
• Apply demand planning, material requirements planning (MRP), production scheduling, and inventory-optimization techniques to create plans that balance service levels, lead times, and SKU complexity.
• Evaluate supplier, transportation, security, and reverse-logistics risks and develop mitigation plans that incorporate supplier contracts, visibility tools, and contingency scenarios.
• Design and propose technology-enabled solutions—using IoT, MES, big data/cloud analytics, unmanned/autonomous vehicles, and social media—to enhance shipment visibility, customer centricity, and sustainable practices (renewable materials/energy).